Jean Burger's Marinated Noodle Bake

prep time:: 30 min
total time:: 2 hr , including marinating

About 8 servings

I worked with Jean back beginning back in 1989. She brought this recipe to a work function and told us that it was something that her mom made as a family tradition every year for Christmas Eve. The funny part was that after about 10 to 12 years of this, her dad announced to everyone that he really HATED it all those years. Actually, the dish is great, and convenient because it can be made the day before...it also can be multiplied easily to feed a crowd.

ingredients

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 1/2 large onion, chopped
1 large bell pepper, chopped
8 ounces ketchup
8 ounces tomato sauce
8 ounces wide egg noodles
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
12 ounces evaporated milk (we us PET)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
LOTS of grated mozzarella, Parmesan or both

directions

1
Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook noodles according to package directions and drain.
2
Using a blender, mix cream cheese, evaporated milk, lemon juice and garlic powder. Pour over noodles and marinate for at least one hour at room temperature.
3
Saute beef, onion and green pepper in a large skillet. Drain off excess fat. Add tomato sauce and ketchup. Bring to slight boil and simmer, covered for 20 minutes.
4
Put noodle mixture into a greased 9“ X 13” pan. Pour meat sauce over noodles then put cheese on top. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned on edges.

Source: Cynthia